Probably not, no. But is actually averaging less than Root for the series. Case of lies, damn lies, etc as that may be.Surely Rogers place isn't up for discussion?
And was distinctly average for 2 tests as wellAnderson put in the best bowling performance of the series, IMO. Same reason why I didn't have to think much about putting Clarke in there.
Cant pick Cook as his batting and captaincy has been decidedly ordinaryThink Clarke/KP at #4, perming 2/3 of Broad, Anderson and Siddle for the two seamers who aren't Harris & ditto Cook, Rogers and Root for the two opening spots are the only serious discussion points.
No, it's pick the SERIES X1 and that's why. for example, Haddin is a unanimous choice in front of PriorThis isn't a "pick some guys who you think have had good series" exercise, it's a "pick the best XI" exercise. None of the openers are really crying out to be picked, but you still have to select two.
My openers are Rogers and Root because there isn't anyone else worth a spotI meant pick the best XI of the series. You still have to pick two opening batsman. You can't say Cook's been rubbish, then say Root's been rubbish and you can't pick Warner for one fifty.
How? He's done plenty this series, got a lot of starts, scored a century, etc.Yeah but Root and Rogers have been pretty crappy too
Broad hasn't been more consistent this series.And was distinctly average for 2 tests as well
I'd pick Harris, Siddle and Broad because they have been far more consistent over the course of the series (I actually thought Broad was better even in the first innings of this test but Anderson got the figures)
One of the longest tails everCook
Rogers
Bell
KP
Clarke
Haddin
Broad
Swann
Harris
Siddle
Anderson
Frankly I can't justify not having Siddle in the side when the batting from both sides, Bell excepted has been rubbish.
Cook looks like an odd choice at the top but his three 50s have all been vital in winning 3 games for England. Root's got the better numbers but his innings haven't been as important.
Watson gets nowhere near the side because he was rubbish for 4 Tests, getting a ton when the series is dead doesn't get you into a team of the series.
Smith can count himself unlucky, I just think KP's innings have been slightly more important in deciding the series than his. Smith would bat 6 if I went 6-1-4.
Starc would be an outside shot if he wasn't hopeless with the first new ball.
Well no **** **** because they're doing that to every other team lately.One of the longest tails ever
SA would beat that team 5 nil and take about 15 days to do it
Australia played 5 bowlers all series.If we are going to pick 5 bowlers why bother picking two openers?